{"id":1448969,"date":"2026-06-07T17:24:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T16:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/?post_type=news&#038;p=1448969"},"modified":"2026-06-08T16:49:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-08T15:49:10","slug":"whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\/","title":{"rendered":"What&#8217;s new at the World Cup this summer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2026 World Cup<\/a> is just a matter of days away, with football fans gearing up for one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There isn&#8217;t long to wait now before the eagerly anticipated tournament gets under way in North America, with all participating teams desperate to lift the trophy on 19th July.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As always, there is plenty to look forward to and keep an eye out for this summer. As well as the usual things, though, there are lots of new ones to be aware of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what is new for the 2026 World Cup? Read on to find out more&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381532\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381589\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#fe0008\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"MatchBook Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png 225w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-60x60.png 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Matchbook<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.0<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/matchbook\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Betting Exchange<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Uniquely Designed Sportsbook<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>#AD 18+ New Players Only. Sign Up with Bonus Code: NEW30. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on Matchbook Exchange at odds of 2.0 or more. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on a Bet Builder or Multiple at odds of 3.0 or more, with min 3 selections. Within 72 hours of Qualifying Bets settling user will receive 1x \u00a310 Exchange Free Bet, 1x \u00a310 Multiples Free Bet, and 1x \u00a310 Bet Builder Free Bet. Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller or PaySafe card will not qualify for this promotion. T&amp;Cs Apply. Be Gamble Aware.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-48-nations\">48 nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The World Cup format has expanded for the first time since 1998, when 24 teams became 32. This year, 48 nations &#8211; split across 12 groups &#8211; will be competing for the ultimate prize in football.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-round-of-32\">The round-of-32<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More nations means more matches, with 64 games becoming 104. As a result, an additional knockout round is required, so we will see the last-32 played for the first time at the finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-three-host-nations\">Three host nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Japan and South Korea made history in 2002 when they became the first pair of nations to co-host a World Cup finals. Fast forward 24 years, though, and we are set to see three co-hosting countries for the first time, with USA, Canada and Mexico set to welcome the world&#8217;s top stars.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381532\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381589\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#fe0008\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"MatchBook Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png 225w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-60x60.png 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Matchbook<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.0<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/matchbook\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Betting Exchange<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Uniquely Designed Sportsbook<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>#AD 18+ New Players Only. Sign Up with Bonus Code: NEW30. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on Matchbook Exchange at odds of 2.0 or more. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on a Bet Builder or Multiple at odds of 3.0 or more, with min 3 selections. Within 72 hours of Qualifying Bets settling user will receive 1x \u00a310 Exchange Free Bet, 1x \u00a310 Multiples Free Bet, and 1x \u00a310 Bet Builder Free Bet. Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller or PaySafe card will not qualify for this promotion. T&amp;Cs Apply. Be Gamble Aware.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-debut-patches\">Debut patches<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Players playing in their first World Cups will wear special patches to mark their first appearances at the finals. Scotland&#8217;s return means Scott McTominay and Andrew Robertson will have the same treatment. The same can be said for Turkey&#8217;s Arda Guler, Kenan Yildiz and Hakan Calhanoglu. Among the likes of Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-new-nations\">New nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That was just the players, though. As well as them, four countries are making their debuts at the World Cup finals &#8211; in Cape Verde, Jordan, Uzbekistan and Curacao. Qatar have also qualified for the first time, having appeared four years ago as the host nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-half-time-show\">Half-time show<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the things that makes the Super Bowl one of the world&#8217;s greatest sporting spectacles is the half-time show. For the first time in 2026, we will see the same in the World Cup final &#8211; although the identity of the performer remains to be seen.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381532\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381589\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#fe0008\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"MatchBook Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png 225w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-60x60.png 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Matchbook<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.0<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/matchbook\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Betting Exchange<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Uniquely Designed Sportsbook<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>#AD 18+ New Players Only. Sign Up with Bonus Code: NEW30. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on Matchbook Exchange at odds of 2.0 or more. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on a Bet Builder or Multiple at odds of 3.0 or more, with min 3 selections. Within 72 hours of Qualifying Bets settling user will receive 1x \u00a310 Exchange Free Bet, 1x \u00a310 Multiples Free Bet, and 1x \u00a310 Bet Builder Free Bet. Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller or PaySafe card will not qualify for this promotion. T&amp;Cs Apply. Be Gamble Aware.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-dynamic-ticket-pricing\">Dynamic ticket pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A huge topic of controversy, tickets initially ranged from $60 for group-stage matches to $6,730 for the final. However, FIFA confirmed last year that dynamic ticket pricing would be utilised, following their trial at the 2025 Club World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-kitted-out\">Kitted out<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Not every former World Cup winner will be present at this year&#8217;s World Cup, with four-time champions Italy the notable exception. However, the eight that are there will do so while wearing kits designed by either Nike or Adidas &#8211; marking the first time they have kitted out every winner at the finals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-referee-view-2-0\">Referee view 2.0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Premier League fans have become accustomed to seeing the view of the referee during matches this season, providing a different insight and alternative angle. We will also see it on display at the 2026 World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-var-checks-on-correctly-awarded-corner-kicks\">VAR checks on correctly-awarded corner kicks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are more interesting referee changes, though. One of the biggest comes for when goals are scored from corners. They can now be ruled off if it is later deemed that the corner kick was incorrectly awarded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-set-piece-tussles\">Set-piece tussles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sticking with corners, and other set-pieces, teams can now be punished for fouls deemed to have happened before a ball is officially in play.<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-toplist\">\n        <div class=\"sq-toplist__items\">\n\t\t\t    <div\n            class=\"sq-toplist__item\"\n            data-entity-id=\"1381532\"\n            data-offer-id=\"1381589\"\n    >\n\t\t        <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-container\">\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"logo\" class=\"sq-toplist__logo\" style=\"background:#fe0008\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"225\" height=\"225\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png\" class=\"attachment-medium size-medium\" alt=\"MatchBook Logo\" srcset=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1.png 225w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-200x200.png 200w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-60x60.png 60w, https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2025\/04\/29232103\/1262572_1262572_matchbook-logo1-40x40.png 40w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>\t\t\t\t                <div class=\"sq-toplist__offer-box\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__bookmaker\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"brand_name\">Matchbook<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-tablet-visible\">\n                        <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                    <\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <span class=\"sq-toplist__offer-title is-mobile-visible\">\n                    <a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"offer\">Bet \u00a320 Get \u00a330 In Free Bets<\/a>                <\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"sq-toplist__buttons\">\n\t\t\t\t<a href=\"\/en\/go\/matchbook?q=gb-all-top-wof-s-spo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" data-brand=\"Matchbook\"data-placement=\"bookmaker-offers-content-toplist\" data-rating=\"9.0\" data-position=\"1\" data-placement-details=\"cta\" class=\"sq-btn sq-btn--secondary sq-btn--full\">Claim Offer<\/a>                <div class=\"sq-rating\">\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__text\">Our Score<\/span>\n                    <span class=\"sq-rating__value\">9.0<\/span>\n                <\/div>\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/betting-sites\/matchbook\/\" class=\"sq-review-link\">\n                    <span>Read our review<\/span>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n\t\t\t        <ul class=\"sq-toplist__features\">\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Betting Exchange<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Excellent Football Betting Options<\/li>\n                            <li class=\"sq-toplist__features-item\">Uniquely Designed Sportsbook<\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                <\/div>\n\t\t            <div class=\"sq-toplist__item-tc\"><p>#AD 18+ New Players Only. Sign Up with Bonus Code: NEW30. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on Matchbook Exchange at odds of 2.0 or more. Bet and Settle 1x\u00a310 Bet on a Bet Builder or Multiple at odds of 3.0 or more, with min 3 selections. Within 72 hours of Qualifying Bets settling user will receive 1x \u00a310 Exchange Free Bet, 1x \u00a310 Multiples Free Bet, and 1x \u00a310 Bet Builder Free Bet. Users making their first deposit by Skrill, Neteller or PaySafe card will not qualify for this promotion. T&amp;Cs Apply. Be Gamble Aware.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t    <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-var-checks-on-second-yellows\">VAR checks on second yellows<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When players are sent off for two yellow cards, the second is now able to be checked by VAR. Unfortunately, the first yellow card is still not checked. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-substitution-changes\">Substitution changes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In a bid to cut down on timewasting, players who take more than 10 seconds to leave the pitch after being substituted will see their team punished. The player replacing them will have to wait one minute before coming on, meaning their team will be down to 10 temporarily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-extending-timewasting-countdowns\">Extending timewasting countdowns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Referees have already implemented eight-second countdowns for goalkeepers to release the ball when it is in play. But they will now give players five seconds to get the ball back into play, whether from a goal kick or throw-in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-no-tactical-timeouts\">No tactical timeouts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps the biggest non-VAR change is that of tactical timeouts. Goalkeepers have been going down with increasing frequency, potentially feigning injuries. It gave time for managers to offer instructions to their players, without punishment as goalkeepers don&#8217;t have to leave the pitch following treatment. But if a goalkeeper does need treatment now, teammates are not allowed to go to the touchline to receive instructions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ai-enabled-3d-player-avatars\">AI-Enabled 3D Player Avatars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A total of 1,248 players will be on display at the 2026 World Cup. For the first time, each of them will be scanned to create a &#8220;digital twin&#8221; of their body, which will facilitate more accurate and realistic semi-automated offside decision visualisations.<\/p>\n\n\n<h3><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none\">\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/bet\/football-tips\/world-cup-2026-betting-tips-predictions\/\"><strong>World Cup predictions &amp; tips<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/outright-markets\/world-cup-outright-odds\/\"><strong>World Cup outright odds <\/strong><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup-2026-fixtures-results\/\"><b>World Cup fixtures &amp; results<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/world-cup-2026-betting-offers\/\"><b>World Cup free bets<\/b><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n    <div class=\"sq-articles-list\">\n                    <h2 class=\"sq-heading-line\">Features<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"sq-cards\">\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/morgan-rogers-chelsea-analysis-perfect-signing\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/21114148\/MorganRogers21072026_ID3F2FDG6-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Morgan Rogers analysis: Why he&#039;s the perfect signing for Chelsea\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/morgan-rogers-chelsea-analysis-perfect-signing\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Morgan Rogers analysis: Why England midfielder is the perfect signing for Chelsea                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/mattsmith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Matt Smith                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">6 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/joao-gomes-aston-villa-analysis-midfield-tielemans-replacement\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/21111832\/JoaoGomes21072026_ID3EG2JFR-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Joao Gomes analysis: Will Aston Villa&#039;s new midfielder be able to replace Youri Tielemans at Villa Park?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/joao-gomes-aston-villa-analysis-midfield-tielemans-replacement\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Joao Gomes analysis: Will Aston Villa&#8217;s new midfielder be able to replace Youri Tielemans at Villa Park?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">9 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-martin-baturina-como-serie-a\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/19174438\/3ECXXR8-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Como midfielder Martin Baturina\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/tactical-analysis-martin-baturina-como-serie-a\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Martin Baturina analysis: Why Como\u2019s Croatian star is attracting interest from Europe\u2019s elite                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/benmcaleer\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Ben McAleer                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">12 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/premier-league-transfers-confirmed-2026-summer-window\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/13172410\/Elliot-Anderson130726_ID3ERBHRC-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"Every Premier League transfer confirmed Elliot Anderson\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/premier-league-transfers-confirmed-2026-summer-window\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    Every confirmed Premier League transfer in the 2026 summer window                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/andrewfrancis\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Andy Francis                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">15 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-stars-summer-transfers\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20103201\/feature_image-x-2-purple-1-2-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"12 World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-stars-summer-transfers\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    12 World Cup stars who could be on the move this summer                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/chris-smith\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Chris Jones                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">15 hours ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-player-stats-leaders-2026\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20144356\/world-cup-stats-leaders-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"World Cup stat leaders: Who led the key metrics?\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-player-stats-leaders-2026\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup 2026 player stat leaders: Who led the key metrics?                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/squawka-writers-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/18155716\/writers-pick-team-of-tournament-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"We asked Squawka writers to name their World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournaments\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/squawka-writers-world-cup-team-of-the-tournament\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    We asked Squawka writers to name their World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournaments                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/harry-edwards\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Harry Edwards                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">1 day ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                                            <article class=\"sq-card\">\n                                            <div class=\"sq-card__thumbnail\">\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-final-stats-you-might-have-missed-spain-argentina\/\" class=\"sq-thumbnail\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/07\/20111854\/SYMHM_Spain_Argentina-150x150.jpg\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                        <div class=\"sq-card__content\">\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__meta\">\n                            <span class=\"sq-card__label\">Features<\/span>\n                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/features\/world-cup-final-stats-you-might-have-missed-spain-argentina\/\" class=\"sq-card__title\">\n                                <h2 class=\"sq-card__title-text\">\n                                    World Cup Final stats you might have missed from Spain vs Argentina                                <\/h2>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"sq-card__excerpt\">\n                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/author\/jackkitson\/\" class=\"sq-card__link\">\n                                    Jack Kitson                                <\/a>\n                                                        <time class=\"sq-card__label\">2 days ago<\/time>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/article>\n                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2026 World Cup is just a matter of days away, with football fans gearing up for one of the biggest events on the sporting calendar. There isn&#8217;t long to wait now before the eagerly anticipated tournament gets under way in North America, with all participating teams desperate to lift the trophy on 19th July&#8230;.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":404,"featured_media":1448977,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"","_yoast_wpseo_title":"","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching and we have provided a lowdown on everything new to keep an eye out for at this year's tournament.","footnotes":""},"tags":[],"news-category":[27626],"class_list":["post-1448969","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","news-category-world-cup"],"acf":{"external_featured_image_url":"","hide_featured_image_pattern":true},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.0 (Yoast SEO v28.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>What&#039;s new at the World Cup this summer? | Squawka | EN<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching and we have provided a lowdown on everything new to keep an eye out for at this year&#039;s tournament.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What&#039;s new at the World Cup this summer?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching and we have provided a lowdown on everything new to keep an eye out for at this year&#039;s tournament.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.squawka.com\/en\/news\/world-cup\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Squawka | EN\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/SquawkaFootballNews\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-06-08T15:49:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/media.squawka.com\/images\/2026\/05\/13171040\/predictions_article-16x9-5-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@squawka\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"NewsArticle\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Jonathan Davies\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/c078513ad5a745440e6edc8c0b45f704\"},\"headline\":\"What&#8217;s new at the World Cup this summer?\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-07T16:24:42+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-06-08T15:49:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":829,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/media.squawka.com\\\/images\\\/2026\\\/05\\\/13171040\\\/predictions_article-16x9-5-scaled.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.squawka.com\\\/en\\\/news\\\/world-cup\\\/whats-new-at-the-world-cup-this-summer\\\/\",\"name\":\"What's new at the World Cup this summer? 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